Accredited Programs and the Path to Licensure NATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL ACCREDITING BOARD (NAAB) 1101 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 410 Washington, DC 20036 202.783.2007 www.naab.org
WHAT IS ARCHITECTURAL ACCREDITATION? The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the primary means by which professional degree programs in architecture assure quality to students and the public. Accredited status is a signal to students and the public that a program meets basic standards for its faculty, curriculum, student services and libraries. The accrediting process is intended to verify that each accredited program substantially meets those standards that comprise an appropriate education for an architect. Since most state registration boards in the United States require any applicant for licensure to have graduated from a NAAB-accredited program, obtaining such a degree is essential in preparing for the professional practice of architecture. NAAB is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture in the United States. Since most US state registration boards require any applicant for licensure to have graduated from a NAAB-accredited program, obtaining such a degree is an essential aspect of preparing for the professional practice of architecture. While graduation from a NAAB-accredited program does not assure registration, the accrediting process is intended to verify that each accredited program substantially meets those standards that, as a whole, comprise an appropriate education for an architect.
NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE PROFESSIONS 89 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12234 518.474.3817 ext. 110 www.op.nysed.gov/prof/arch/
New York's system of professional regulation, recognized as a model for public protection, has grown to over 900,000 professionals and over 30,000 professional practice business entities in more than 50 professions. The New York State Education Department, under Regents' direction, administers professional regulation through its Office of the Professions, assisted by the State Boards for the Professions. An architect, licensed and registered in New York, provides services related to the design and construction of buildings and the spaces around them, where the safeguarding of life, health, property, and public welfare is concerned. These design and construction services typically include consultation, evaluation, planning, preliminary studies, design, construction documents and management, and administration of construction contracts. To learn more about the paths you can take to become an architect in New York State, visit the Office of the Professions website at www.op. nysed.gov/prof/arch/.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURAL REGISTRATION BOARDS (NCARB) 1801 K Street, NW, Suite 700K Washington, DC 20006 202.783.6500 www.ncarb.org
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards protects the public health, safety, and welfare by leading the regulation of the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for licensure and credentialing of architects. NCARB is a diverse, high-performing team consisting of the Board, volunteers, and staff working in concert with our Member Boards to fulfill our mission. NCARB is universally recognized as the global leader of architectural regulation through its exemplary standards, credentialing requirements and reciprocal licensure processes, and consummate customer service. To that end, their strategic goals are: FACILITATE LICENSURE | NCARB programs are catalysts for the early pursuit, achievement, and ongoing maintenance of professional licensure. FOSTER COLLABORATION | NCARB’s collaboration with collateral and related organizations leads to a sustained, action-oriented dialogue to identify and address significant issues that impact the profession and the health, safety, and welfare of the public. CENTRALIZE CREDENTIAL DATA | Active and ongoing participation by Member Boards in NCARB’s information systems provides the preferred platform for interns and architects to efficiently manage their credentials.
The curriculum of a NAAB-accredited program ensures that graduates will be technically competent, critical thinkers who are capable of defining multiple career paths within a changing societal context.
THE SCHOOLS OF ARCHITECTURE NEW YORK STATE | PAGE 5
